Swallow

Name: Daniel


Sex: Male


Age: 31 years


During college I worked part time in health food stores. It was slow, so I had plenty of time to read the books we sold. I was exposed to the pseudo-science that most supplements are based on, the history of the industry and the later-falsified claims of many “wonder supplements” (dessicated Argentine beef liver, anyone?). But there are a few basic supplements that I have had pretty good personal success with that also have a good body of research behind them.


Vitamin D – 2000 IU


Many scientists now pin the higher cancer rates in developed countries on our lack of sunshine, which supports our production of vitamin D. Previously, they thought it was caused by industrial pollutants. At $2 a month, you’re basically irresponsible if you live north of the Tropic of Cancer and you don’t supplement vitamin D for at least part of the year.


ZMA – Zinc (30 g) Magnesium (450 g), and B6 (10.5 mg)


Taken nightly this aids sleep, but it also supports healthy hormone levels. In a study of college football players, ZMA resulted in a 30% increase in testosterone levels, which go down due to magnesium loss accompanying an active lifestyle. Many North Americans are deficient in these minerals, and it’s only about $10 a month. As a recovering insomniac I notice deeper sleep and more vivid dreams when I’m on this.


High DHA fish oil – 4 grams


Fish oil is good and all, but men need extra DHA since natural production is stymied by testosterone (which is probably why men suffer more from inflammatory ailments like heart disease). Taking a potent fish oil with a higher DHA to EPA ratio is a great way to reduce various health risks, reach body composition goals and reduce day-to-day inflammation. My product has a shark on the label, which is also very cool.


Micellar Caesin – 20 grams


This isn’t the typical gas-inducing whey powder you pick up at Costco. It’s time-released protein that forms a gel in your stomach and releases amino acids into your bloodstream over the course of six to seven hours. I take it before bed to counteract the catabolism caused by sleeping (your body otherwise breaks down tissue to get the aminos it needs to keep things ticking). It’s a great supplement for maintaining a good body composition (more muscle, less fat), and I also find my mornings aren’t as groggy from lack of blood sugar. The kind I use tastes like orange Creamsicle.

Swallow is a completely unscientific ongoing study, arranged by Reanna Alder. Results will be presented in each issue of Tooth and Dagger. If you wish to submit the contents of your “medicine cabinet”, please email: swallow@toothanddagger.com